Target-throwing trap



March 27, 1928. 1,663,780

W. l. SPANGLER TARGET THROWING TRAP Filed July 8, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 WI S 'U anylfr March 27, 1928. 1,663,780

w. I. SPANGLER TARGET THROWING TRAP Filed July 8, 1925 s sheets-sheet 2 Patented Mar. 27, 1928.

wint'i'a'm I. 'srensnnn, or rA RLTon, OHIO, Ass'renon To THE QHAMBERL N CAR- TRIDGE AND TARGET 00., orcLEvnLAND, OHIO, Acoaronn'rion or OHIO.

- TARGET- THROWING TRAP.

'Applicationyfiled July 8, 1925. Serial No. 42,136.

This invention relates to improvements in target throwing traps and has for its primary object the provision of a trap wherein an improved arrangement of partsis provided enabling the target throwing arm thereof to swing automatically -from and to 'a set 'or-normal posi-tion of operation.

Another object of the invention resides in thefprovision of a target trap wherein is employeda single main springcwhich is-utilized. forthe functions; first, of swinging the tar- .getthrowing arm or carrier'of the trap away from its set or initial position to discharge a target; second, of serving as a shock absorbing member for resiliently limiting the extent of swinging movement of the carrier;

third, of causinga rebound action by means i circular casting and in operation is mountof which the carrier is returned to its normal or set position of operation; and fourth, 'of checking the movement of the carrier as it nears its initial'or set position of operation upon its rebound or return stroke so that an automatically opera-ting latch mechanism will "be enabledto function positively in holding the carrier in its normal or set position. c

A further object of the invention resides in providing an electric control for governing the operation of the latch mechanism by means of which the carrier arm is released, so that the latch mechanism will be enabled to operate quickly, positively and the targets projected from the trap at a rapid rate of "speed. 7

\Vith these and other objects in view, as will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in the novel features of construction, combinations of elementsand arrangements of parts hereinafter to be fully described and pointed out inthe appended claims.

In the accompanying drawing: 7 "Figure 1 is a plan view of a target trap "constructed in accordance with the features ofthe present invention, I l

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof, I Figure 3 is a horizontal sectionalview on the plane indicated by the line 38 of Figure 2,

V s disclosing the opposite side of the latter from the showing set forth in Figure 2,

4 is similar view onthe line Figure 6 is a vertical transverse "sectional ,seaveo view taken on the plane indicated by the line 66 of Figure2,

Fig. 7 a detail in verticalsection of the latch deviceshow'nin Fig. 6, andFigxS is a detail inelevation of a modification f0 motor operation. I I

Referring to the drawings andmore especi'ally to the specific embodiment of the id vention illustrated therein, my improved target trap, which is'designated in-its entirety by the letter A consists essentially of a base 1, a frame 2, a throwing arm or carrier 3 and improved means, hereinafter described in detail, for effecting the. automatic operation of the projector. i The base 1 is preferably in the form of a web 5,*is provided with abolt 7, whichextends throughan *arcu-a-te slot 8' formed in theweb 4. The bolt ,7 carries a threaded binding device 9 by means of which africtional relation maybe e'stablisliedybetween "the webs 4; and 5 to maintain the frame 2 in any of its vertical positions of adjustment with respect to the base 1. ,In this particular construction it has not been found nec-' essary to provide a' means for rotating the frame in a horizontalplane,since this adjustment can be obtained satisfactorily by shifting the base 1 to control the angles of discharge of the targets released from the throwing arm 8. In this connection it will be understood that by adjustingjthe frame 2 vertically the height-of the target released from the trap may be governed with rela- .tion to the ground over vhicti the target is projected. Also, further lateral angles of discharge of the target canbe readily effected by placing thetargets at diii'e' rent g-post frame 2 and base 1 is deemed desirable the same may be of the type disclosed in my prior Patent No. 1,493,845, issued July 1, 1924, and upon the construction of which the present invention constitutes an improvement in many respects hereinafter pointed out in detail.

The frame 2 comprises a hollow substantially rectangular member consisting of vertically spaced longitudinally extending, parallel upper and lower bars and 11 respectively which are united by end walls. 'Journaled in the upper and lower bars of the frame is a shaft 12 and loosely mounted upon this shaft, between the bars 10 and 11, is a sleeve 13 formed with an integral outwardly extending crank arm l l. To the outer end of this arm there is connected as at 16 one end of a rod 15, which has its other end connected with one end of a coil contractile spring 17 of considerable connected as at 18 with a lever 19, which is pivoted at 20 upon a stud 21 formed with the frame 2. Also pivoted upon the stud 21 below the lever 19 is a second longer lever 22 which has formed therewith an integral upstanding lug 23, arranged to engage with the outer edge portion of the lever 19 thereabove, so that as the lever 22 is oscillated in one direction from the set or normal position the lever 19 will move in unison therewith, however, the return of the lever 22 to such set or normal position may be independent of the return movement to such position of the lever 19, as will be obvious. T he outer 'end of the lever 22 is bifurcated to pivotally receive, as 24:, one end of a connecting link 25, which has its opposite end pivoted as at 26 to a crank arm 27 carried in connection with a shaft 28, which is journaled as at 29 in connection with the base 1. The opposite end of the shaft 28, as regards the arm 27, is provided with adepending pedal 30, adapted to be operated by the foot of the target attendant andit will be seen that when the pedal is oscillated as indicated by the arrow a, movement will be impartedto the lever 22 which, by reason of its upstand ing lug 93 will cause the joint oscillation therewith of the lever 19, and since this lever is directly connected with the main spring 17, it follows that the latter may be stretched, when the crank arm 14' is held stationary, to place the spring 17 under the required degree of tension necessary to effect complete and rapid operation on the part of the trap.

' To hold the crank arm 14 stationary, until its release is desired to effect the swinging of the throwing arm, the said crank arm 14: is provided with a slot 31, in which is positioned a depending stud 32 carried by a crank arm 33 that is rotatable in unison with the projector or carrier 3. The crank arm 33 terminates in an integral sleeve 34, journaled for rotation in the upper frame bar 10 and carries at its upper end a second crank arm 35 which is also provided with a depending pin 36. Mounted upon the crank arm 35 and rigidly secured therewith is the throwing arm or carrier 3, which comprises ordinarily a flat plate of aluminum or the like and is formed along one edge with a longitudinally extending target guide 37 against which is placed, on the upper surface of the carrier one or more of the usual circular type of clay targets or pigeons which are projected from the trap. The carrier is provided with an upright stud 38, adjacent to its pivoted end, which as shown in Figure 1, cooperates with the target to provide a seat or abutment against which the target may be placed prior to the projectionthereof. As is customary in devices of this character, the throwing arm is oscillated at a high rate of speed, and due to centrifugal action on the target the latter is projected from the carrier through space in front of the trap, providing an excellent aerial target for marksmanship purposes. As previously relates it is not necessary to place the target directly in engagement with the stud 38, since by placing the target at various positions along the length of the carrier, the angle of discharge of the target from the trap may be varied, so that the target may be caused to leave the trap at different angles to diversify shooting angles.

To retain the throwing arm 3 in a normal or set position, use is made of a latch mechanism which consists of a sliding latch member 39 mounted for movement upon the upper surface of the bar 10. This membe' is formed to include an inclined edge 10, and SlOtS ll are provided in the latch member for the reception of pins 42, and springs 13 are positioned in the slots 41v and cooperate with the pins 42 so as to normally maintain the latch membervin such a position that the pin on the crank arm 35 will be positioned in engagement with the edge 40,

It will be seen that the tension on the main spring 17 normally serves to place a relative force on the crank arm 35 so as to move the pin 36 out of engagement with the plane lO. This is prevented by providing one edge of the latch member 39 with a stud projection 44: which engages normally with an inclined shoulder 45 provided on a lever 46 which is pivoted as at 47 to the bar 10. The forward end of the lever 46 engages with the outwardly projecting portion or a movable core 48 of an electrically energized tree-3,780

"solenoid 49, which core constitutes a itrigger for "the lover. The windings of this gsolenoid are arranged in an electric'circuit '50,*which includes a sourceof'energy'fil'and Ethe circuit is opened and closed by means of a quiclracting switchF52. When it'is de- -s'ired to'release the carrier and project a target, the switch 52 isclosedthereby excitthe windings -of thesolenoid 49, causing the retraction of the core 48* so that the latter will be moved outof engagement with the outer end of the lever 46 which is nor- ;l mally supported in anelevated position by the core. Therefore, when the'core has been removed from engagement with the lever 46 the pressure of the main spring 17 on ft'hecrank arm causes the .pin '36 to act i-o'nthe inclined edge 40 andmoves the latch :member 39 re'arwardlyor longitudinally, and this can 'be readily accomplished since there isno sustaining relation exercised between :the stud 44 and the inclined shoulder 45 of the lever 46. It will be seen that by this arrangement the latch mechanism is retracted, :permitting the carrier .to revolve irapidly under the influence of the main spring'a-nd to project ata'rget in the manner described.

As stated the latch member moves rearwardly against the pressure of the spring 43 Brand there :is provided a spring-actuated pivoted dog 53 on the frame 2 Which is notched 'as at 54 to normally engage the latch member, as shownin 'Figure'et, which ido'g respondsito its's'p-ring pressure and-holds the .latch -member in its retracted position, and since the stud iprojection 'tt'is then en- ,gaging the upper surface of the lever 46 thelatte'r will be held. downwardly, against theiinfluenc'e of the light spring 55 and the solenoid 'core retained in its retracted position byengaging with the outer end of the -lever'46. The parts of the'latch mechanism "are thusrheld while the arm orcarrier 3 is in its'cycle :of movement to and from its disage with thepi'n'36 toho'ld the carrier in :its latched position. This 'alsothen permits the solenoid-core to assume a projected position underlyi-ng the free end of the lever 46 so, that-the latch member will be again retained in a stationary position until the solen'oi'd is subsequently energized, whereupon the cycle of operations above described is repeated.

To hold the crank arm 19 in a :position stretching the main spring 17 there is :pro-

vid'e'd a link which is i pivoted as at 57 :to

the arm orlever 19. This link extends forwardly andlongitudinally of the frameand has its forwardend slidably :received within'a bearing 58 provided in the outer wall of the'frame 2. The outer endiofthe link :is shoulderedsas at 59 {and is pressed norma'lly into engagement with-the upper-wall oflthe bearing bymeans of :a spring '60 and This/construction: permits the main spring to be stretched to therequired de'gree and the n held in this stretchedicondition .until the release of the carrier is effected bynthe latch mechanism. The link 56 is formed along the inner side thereof :witha cam'stud 61 which is adapted for'coolperation with a dog 2 62 tpivotally carried by the stud 32 anda-rranged for rotation about the shaft 512 between the crank arms 14: and 33, A light "spring 63 is secured to {one end of the dog 62 and the, crank arm '14, which normally serves to position the'do'g 62. in engagement with the shaft 12. The outer portion 'of the dog 62 is provided with acamsurfacet64, so shaped that aszthe dog revolves with the carrier the surface 64E thereof will engage 'with'the cam 61 on the link 56, but this:engagement will be :such as to prevent the release of the shoulder 59 of said flink'froni the side of the bearing 58. However, upon the return or rebound of the'carrier the dog 62 will then engage directly with the cam 'proj ection 61 so asto trip the link/56, "allowing the return of the lever 19 to the normal position disclosed in Figure 3. It is this --const inction particularly that allows the spring to function in returning the carrier to its normal or-set 117051111011 ;1n :connection with its latch mechanism. 1

In summarizing the above construction, it I will be seen that the present invention provides a target trap wherein the main spring thereof is caused to function first, as theprospelling means for Whipping the throwing Jarnithroughan are necessary to project the target, second, as a shock absorbing element for arresting gradually the movement of'the arm as the l'etterreache's its extreme of out- Y ward sw1ng1ng*movement .andtlnrd, as a means-for returning thelarm to its normal" latched or set :position. By this i-peculiar assembly of elements an automatic trap mechanisin is provided wherein-it is necessary for the operator ,to Inerelyfplace' the tar-- gets successively, on'thearm and to operate the footpedal, or other equivalent device, I for stretching th'e main spring to theneces sary degree for providing final impetus to the arm. signed to the main springin that the latter is stretched appreciably as the carrier or arm returns to the latching mechanism, and this serves to check the rebound movement of the arm as the latter nears such mechanism and enables said mechanism to operate smoothly and positively in holding the carrier latched. A set screw may be used for engaging the lever :22 and thereby limiting the forward swinging movement of the lever 19. The set screw 65, by limiting the forward movement of the lever 19, holds the end of the spring '17 which is opposite the crank arm 14- fr-om moving as the throwing arm returns to its latch-engaging position. It thus provides an adjustable means for regulating the overthrow of the throwing armthat is to say, the amount of movement of the throwing arm behind or back of its latchengaging position before its movement will be checked and stopped by the throwing spring. This overflow movement will vary undereonditions of use; according to wind conditions, the length of desired flight of the targets, and the number of targets thrown single or double. The adjustable stop screw 65 enables the overthrow to be adjustably controlled and atthe same time retains in the spring 17 a material amount of tension, such as will enable the additional throwing tension to be applied thereto by means of the foot lever and rock shaft and. without unduly fatiguing the operator. A spring 66 is utilized in returning the pedal 30, and likewise the lever 22 to a normal position following the setting or application of final tension to the main spring.

It will be seen that with the parts of the apparatus positioned as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the trap may be operated by placing a target on the arm as shown in Figure 1. By rocking the foot pedal in the direction indi cated by the arrow A, the levers 19 and 22 are swung so as to stretch the main spring, the lever 19 being locked by means of the latching of the link 56 with the bearing 58, while the lever 22 may return to its normal position under the influence of the spring 66. Then, by operating the solenoid 49, the latch member 39 is released and the carrieror arm is permitted to swing sharply through an arc, projecting the target therefrom by the centrifugal force thereby established. The movement of the throwing arm is secured through the joint rotationof the crank arms 27 and 33, effected through the stud 32- As the throwing arm nears the end of its path of outward swinging movement, the crank arm 14 will swing beyond the line joining its pivot with the anchored end of the spring 17.

This movement from one side of such line to the other will result, first in taking the tension oi the spring when the anchored end A fourth function may be asits outward movement.

of the spring and the said pivot are in line, and second, in putting the spring under ten sion when the crank shall have crossed said line as the throwing arm reaches the end of The spring thus provides a shock absorbing device for cushioning and limiting the outward swinging movement ofthe throwing arm. Then,

npon the subsequent contraction. of the spring 17 the crank arms 14: and '33 revolve in the opposite direction to return the carrier to its latched position. It is-during this movement of the crank arms 14 and 33 that the dog 62 engages'with the link 56 to release the lever 19 so that the tensional resistance of the spring 17 to the return of the throwing arm to its initial position is broken and the spring may move with the crank arm 14 until the lever 19 contacts with the lug 23 the position of which, in turn, is governed by the set screw 65. Then, as the throwing arm nears its latched position the main spring is again stretched by the inertia of the throwing arm so as to check the rebound action of the throwing arm and retard its velocity for latching engagement with the member 39. It will be seen, therefore, that the trap is in every sense automatic since the carrier moves by itself from and to a set or normal position of operation. The fact that the final tension is placed on the spring by a manual operation does not alter the status of the trap as a fully automatic construction. The trap can be easily operated and may project targets at great rapidity through all of the varied angles common to projectors of this type.

By providing a free and unobstructed space back of or behind the latch, the throwing arm is enabled to swing freely on its return movement until its inertia is cushioned and stopped by the throwing spring alone. The provision of this free and unobstructed space also affords ample time for the latch mechanism to be set in a position to intercept the stud on the throwing arm by the time the arm is moved forwardly by the spring to latch-engaging position. -The function of the set screw 65 in permitting a variation in the residual tension in the throwing spring has been pointed out hereinbefore. This adjustment is necessary to insure on the one hand that the throwing arm will swing back to or behind the latch .on its return movement and, on the other tirely' released, such throwing. tension being the tension: available to operate the arm- 3 whenthe latter isin itslatch-engagingpositlOH'.

VVhileI have described what I consider to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, nevertheless, it will be: understood that the principles herein disclosed be embodied in other physical forms and that changes in proportion and materials usedmay be made without departing from the spirit of the invention andI there+ fo1 e claim asimy invention all of suchmodi fica-tions' and variations thatma-y be said; to fall fairly withinzthe scope and intent-of the following claims; l

Ifdesiredr anz electric motor M may be used for operating the crankpedal. Ina the previously described; form of the invention the: ped'al:v 30' is1 manually operated to apply fin'alttension mane main-spring 1%,however, by the provision of'the motor M this can be done by; power and: the" operator of the: trap is them left fiee to apply the targets to the projecting armv Y v Whatsisi claimed is:

a 1. In a target. trap, the combination of a shaft, a throwing arm= connected: with'said shaft,.vaa crank: connected wit-h said shaft, a

spring connected at one: endto' saidcrank, a movable 'support fon the opposite end of said spring,\.a rock} shaftat the: target, a one way; connection between saidroclrshaft and the said support whereby thesu-pport' may be moved-iby said rock shaft thereby to place thespring: under throwing tensiong, means, releasable-L by' the return movement of said throwing arm, for holding the said support in its spring-tensioning position, and adjustable meansfor 'enga'ging t'he said supp'ort after the: release thereof, thereby to limit the movement of said support toward said crank and to retain-a material partof the throw ingr'tension in said spring:- Y

2. a: target trap;the combination ofa shaft, a throwing arm secured to said shaft, a: crank securedi to said shaft, latch mechanism-carriedvby the saidframe and adapted tovholdithei-saidi arm intarget-receiving position, pivotally' supported arm, a spring connected: at one endto thefcrank and at its opposite :end to f the second arm, a rock shaft atlsaid trap, a third arm also piv'otally supported and adapted to engage the second arnnfla crank on: saidrock shaft, a linkcon necting the saidcrank andthethird arm, de= tent'me chanism adapted to rele'asably hold the se'cond arm in springi-tensioni'n'g-position, connections between the first m'entioned shaft and the detent mechanism for releas ingithe latterfaften the throwing movement I ofr the throwing arm thereby to: relive the tension on the throwingi spring, and adjUst asble means for: engaging. the second arm 1 thereby to= retaina: material and Variable amount oftension in the throwing spring and to enable the latter to check the move ment of the throwing arm back to and be yond latch-engaging position.

3. In a target-trap, the combination of a shaft,-a.throwing arm secured to said shaft, a crank secured tosaid shaft, latch mechag nism carried by the said frame and adapted to hold the said arm: in target-receiving: position, apivotally supported: arm, a spring connected at oneend to the crank an'dat its opposite end to the second army athird. arm? alsopivotally supported and adaptedto en;- gag'ethe second arm, means for operating the third ar1nthereby to operate the second: arm and: tension the said spring, detent mecliaf n-ism adaptedto releasably hold the second arm in spring tensioning position, conned" tions between the saiCP'Shaft and the detent mechanismfor releasing. the latter after the throwing movement of the throwing armi thereby to relieve the tension onthe'throw ing; spring, 1 andadj ustablemeans for engage the second' arm thereby to retain a ma' terial and variable amount of tension inthe throwing, spring: and to'en'a'ble' the latter tocheck the movement of the throwing ar m back to and}. beyond latch-engaging position.

4. In a target trap, thecombinationpf'a frame, a; throwing. arm pivetally supported by said frame, means for throwing said= arm;- and latch mechanism carried by said frame for said arm, said -mechanism, comprising a lever pivoted to said frame a latch n1ember movably supported on said frame, and arranged-to be engaged bysaid throwingzarm; the saidljever and the said-member having interengaging parts" adapted to pervent the movement of the latch member by said arm; and atrigger carried by said frame and adaptedto engagesaid: lever thereby tohol'd the same in"a position to'prevent; the latch member from-being movedout ofiengage mentwith the cooperatingpai't-of said'lever. v 5. In a-targettrap,thencOmbinatiOnofa frame, a: throwing; arm; pivotally supported by saidframe,-n1ea1is for throwing-isaid ar'm, and latchmechanism for the said" arm, said mechanism, comprising; a latchmember' mov ably supported on -the top-of said frame, -the said latch memberand: the" said: arm: being provided with inter-engagingl parts whereby said member may retain the arm against movement by said spring, alever and a trigger arranged to support the said lever in po? sition topreventthe movementof said' lateli member by and out oftheway of said am;

,6. In a target trap, the combinationof ja frame, a throwing: pivotally supported by said I frame, means forthrowing saidarm, and latch:- mechanism for said arm; the said mechanism comprisingastud' carr-ied' by and pr'o'j ectin gsi downwardlyfrom the" arm, a latch member for said 'stud movablysupported on" cal face of said frame and having a portion adapted to be engaged by a portion of the latch member to prevent movement of said member, a trigger normally supporting said lever in a position to intercept said latch member, and means for operating said trigger to release the said lever.

7. In a target trap, the combination of a pivotally. supported throwing arm, a latch for said arm, and a throwing spring connected with said arm and serving, upon the release of said latch: first, to throw the arm in one direction; second, to cushion and stop the throwing movement of said arm; third, to move the arm in the reverse direction of a point behind said latch; and fourth, to constitute the sole means for cushioning and stopping such return movement of said arm and to move the arm to latch-engaging position, there being a free and unobstructed space behind said latch whereby the arm may swing behind and beyond the latch on its return movement until stopped by said spring and the said latch may be held in a position to intercept said arm when the spring shall have brought the said arm to latch-engaging position.

8. In a target trap, the combination of a pivotally supported throwing arm, springcontrolled latch-mechanism for intercepting said arm, a throwing spring connected with said arm and serving, upon the release of said latch against the action of the first spring: first, to throw the arm in one direction; second, to cushion and stop the throwing movement of said arm; third, to move the arm in the reverse direction to a point behind said latch; and fourth, to constitute the sole means for cushioning and stopping such return movement of said arm and to move the said arm to latch-engaging position, the said arm being provided with means for moving the latch mechanism as the arm is movedbehind such mechanism, there being a free and unobstructed space behind said mechanism whereby the arm may swing behind and beyond said mechanism'on its return movement until stopped by the throwing spring and the said mechanism may be moved by the spring thereof into a position to hold the said arm before the arm shall have reached the said mechanism after its return movement.

tion, there being a free and unobstructed space behind said latch whereby the arm may swing behind and beyond the latch on its return movement until stopped by said spring and the said latch may be held in a position to intercept said arm when the spring shall have brought the said arm into latch-engaging position, means operated through the return movement of the throwing arm for releasing a portion only of the throwing tension in said spring, and means for varying the amount of the residual throwing tension in said spring whereby the extent of movement of the arm beyond and behind the latch may be controlled.

10. In a target trap, thecombination of a pivotally supported throwing arm, a latch for said arm, a movable tensioning member, a coiled throwing spring operatively connected at one end to said arm and at the other end to said movable tensioning member, releasable means for holding said member in spring-tensioning position, said spring serving, upon the release of said latch: first, to throw the arm in one direction; second, to cushion and stop the throwing movement of said arm; third, to move the arm in the reverse direction to a point behind said latch; and fourth, to constitute the sole means for cushioning and stopping such returnmovement of said arm and to move the arm to latch-engaging position, there being a free and unobstructed space behind said latch whereby the arm may swing behind and beyond the latch on its return movement until stopped by said spring andrthe said latch may be held in a position to intercept said arm when the spring shall have brought the said arm into latch-engaging position, means operated by the return movement of said throwing arm for releasing the said tensioning member, and adjustable means for en: gaging the said tensioning member to limit the movement thereof after such release thereby to vary in the staid spring the residual tension operating to cushion and stop the return movement of the throwing arm. 11. In a target trap, the combination of a shaft, a throwing arm connected with said shaft, a latch for said arm, a crank connected with said shaft, a rock shaft at the target, a movable support, a throwing spring connected with said crank andwith the said support,a one-Way connection between said rock shaft and the said support whereby the support may be moved by said rock shaft thereby to place said spring under throwing tension, means for holding the said support in its spring-tensioning position, the said spring serving, upon the release of said latch: first, tothrow the arm in one direction; second, to cushion and stop the throwing'm'ovement of said arm; third, to move the arm in the reverse direction to a point behind said latch; and fourth, to constitute the sole means for cushioning and stopping the return movement of said arm and to move the arm to latch-engaging position, there being a free and unobstructed space behind said latch whereby the arm may swing behind and beyond the latch on its return movement until stopped by said spring and the said latch may be held in a position to intercept said arm When the 10 spring shall have brought said arm to latch- WILLIAM I. SPANGLER. 

